Grades

Where Do Readers Come From?

The roots of literacy are planted in infancy and - in the right environment - flourish in early childhood.

Grades

PreK–K,
1–2

From

How do children become lifelong readers? We now know conclusively that giving children opportunities to "play" with language is crucial to literacy development, as is sharing books that build on children's experiences. Print-rich environments, both at home and at school, inspire children to explore words and strengthen their understanding of the power of narrative.

Here's a look at how children go from imitating sounds to recognizing simple words to, finally, becoming confident young readers and writers.

0 to 2

Children May

experiment with language by making sounds that imitate the tones and rhythms of adult talk.